Everybody has their own set of hobbies and interests that they incorporate into their daily lives. For instance, you’re probably on here since you’re an avid fan of dancing. A gourmet-loving person would likely binge-watch cooking shows, and someone passionate about acting is inclined to imitate their favourite actor’s lines. What if we tell you, though, that no matter how much you enjoy doing things that you like, there’ll always be a tendency for you to get burnt out doing them? Take our word. N2 Dance exists due to our tremendous love for dancing, but just like everyone else, some days, we just aren’t in the mood to get grooving. And that’s okay! Keep in mind that taking a break from your usual routine is normal. Thus, for this month, let’s breakdance—er, take a break from dancing! Read on for activities that work well with dancing!
1. GYMNASTICS Showcase the strength and flexibility that you’ve developed from dancing by trying out gymnastics! Though they differ in many ways, the two also share several similarities, so it’s not like gymnastics would be a foreign terrain for someone with a fondness for dancing. Whether you opt for YouTube or a live professional as your coach, we assure you loads of fun and excitement as you incorporate your dance skills with those you’ll learn in gymnastics.
2. SPORTS While dancing is also considered a sport, we’re referring to common ones that you might do with a ball or a racket. If you’re used to dancing for hours on end, you’ve likely strengthened your cardiovascular endurance. Simply put, this is your heart and lungs’ ability to supply your body with enough oxygen amidst doing strenuous activities. Hence, if you can manage to dance to a few songs without feeling on the brink of collapsing, playing basketball, soccer, or badminton would give you the same benefits that you get from dancing—all while taking a break from dancing itself.
3. READING So your body begs for rest, but your mind screams “DANCE!” huh? No worries, because we’ve still got you covered. You'd surely be able to pick up a few tips and information that would be valuable to you as a dancer. Some great reads are Mao’s Last Dancer, a memoir by Chinese-Australian professional dancer Li Cunxin; Patrick Swayze: One Last Dance, a chance to know more about the beloved Dirty Dancing actor and; Girl on Pointe: Chloe's Guide to Taking on the World, an inspirational book written by Dance Moms’ fan favourite, Chloe Lukasiak.
4. WATCHING Whether it's dance choreography on YouTube, dance-centred movies on Netflix, or even so far as watching a live musical, watching other people dance would be a fantastic way to stay relaxed while still regaining your passion for dance. Who knows? You might learn a move or two that you can use for future projects and performances! Some movies and shows that we can recommend are as follows: • Dirty Dancing – you’ve read Patrick Swayze’s biography, now watch him come to life in the critically-acclaimed film that won at the Academy, Golden Globes, and Grammy Awards in 1988. • Feel the Beat – if you’ve got kids watching with you, this would be an excellent choice. Newly released in 2020, you can expect this dance drama-comedy film to be one that the whole family would enjoy on movie night. • Dancing with the Stars – heads up, DWTS fans! A new season is set for release this year, and as per Channel 7 on Instagram, it will be featuring “14 former champions, fan favourites and wildcards.” Are you thrilled? Because we most definitely are! Oh, and have you heard that the Australian production for the award-winning American musical Hamilton had just opened its doors in the Sydney Lyric Theatre? It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break and get away! (Got the reference?)
5. YOGA For the ultimate activity that boosts not one but two health aspects, physical and mental, there is yoga. If you’re in dire need of relaxation, this is a great way to do so. However, that’s not all that there is to yoga! Did you know that it goes so far as to even helping you become a more excellent dancer? Here are just some of the reasons why: • The different postures target different muscle groups, ultimately helping develop strength in parts that often go unnoticed. • It helps improve breath control, which is essential because face it: when dancing, there are instances wherein we forget to breathe. • Yoga cultivates flexibility, leading to better circulation, lower injury risks, and reduced muscle tension. • It’s a great way to transition back to dancing after a long break.
Whatever your interests may be, there’ll always be a dance-related activity that could help you power through days that you don’t feel like dancing. Which of the mentioned activities are you looking forward to trying out? Let us know!